SourceCo leads the pack in proprietary deal sourcing, blending AI-powered insights with expert human expertise to deliver access to off-market targets by identifying niche companies that standard databases aren't built to cover.
Most PE firms spend 20% of their time researching suitable targets, and access to incomplete company data causes them to miss out on 50% of the private company universe.
SourceCo solves this with an extensive quality and depth-driven database of granular, private company data with a combination of expert research and outreach team.
"SourceCo was able to generate numerous actionable opportunities within the first 90 days of the campaign in a highly competitive and niche space with consistent and detailed reporting along with a thorough process. "
"They took the time to understand exactly what we are seeking and used their tech- enabled platform to deliver a steady stream of relevant opportunities. Huge value add to our BD team and highly recommend." - Daniel Florian, Managing Director, Sun Capital Partners
For more information, check out SourceCo's deal sourcing page, or skip ahead and request your free company dataset
Inven offers an AI-powered platform designed for scaling deal flow quickly. Leveraging natural language processing (NLP), Inven efficiently builds lists of acquisition targets across industries and geographies. It offers a deep database of companies without additional M&A-cycle-management features.
This platform is ideal for middle-market firms that need to generate volume and expand their acquisition pipeline without the need for extensive manual research. Some users report revenue data for companies can be of 50/50 accuracy.
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SourceScrub specializes in private company market mapping, giving dealmakers access to 15M + company profiles and regular updates.
This platform might be the most suitable to those ones looking for high-level private company data. However, some users report it's interface can be clunky and investment information less reliable than its counterparts.
DealSuite is a platform and a marketplace tailored for cross-border M&A, especially strong in the European market.
The platform matches buyers with sellers by connecting them to a network of 1,500+ companies who are active in M&A, making it a primary choice for firms that are looking to source deals internationally.
DealSuite connects private equity firms, M&A advisors, and corporate buyers.
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Grata uses AI-driven technology to surface private companies, making it one of the top platforms for firms looking to quickly map the (esp. larger) company market.
However, similar to SourceScrub, Grata lacks specific and granular data, especially around smaller companies.
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Cyndx offers a comprehensive AI-driven platform focused on providing insights into private companies and their capital-raising activities.
With a global reach, Cyndx is a strong tool for private equity firms looking to source deals with high-growth potential. It is particularly effective for firms that need to track financial health and future capital needs of their targets.
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PrivSource is a platform specializing in off-market deal flow & marketplace, connecting private investors and buyers with acquisition targets that are not actively being marketed.
Its secure private network and focus on confidential transactions make it a solid option for dealmakers looking for exclusive deals.
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Mergr is a deal database focused on middle-market M&A research, offering a comprehensive overview of historical deal data, company profiles, and private equity insights.
It's a valuable tool for researching past transactions and understanding deal trends across industries. While Mergr is more of a research tool than a deal sourcing platform, it helps dealmakers make informed decisions based on past market activity.
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Beauhurst offers detailed understanding of the UK startup ecosystem and tracks the most ambitious startups, scaleups, and high-growth companies in the UK. It provides data on businesses, their investments, accelerators, and relevant market trends.
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Tracxn is a market intelligence platform that provides detailed information on startups, private companies, and emerging markets across a wide range of industries. It focuses on venture capital and private equity deal sourcing, offering a global database for research and due diligence.
Despite its comprehensive data in non-U.S. markets, users report challenges with U.S.-specific data and customer service issues.
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SourceCo stands as the premier buy-side deal sourcing firm, offering a fully relationship-driven approach to uncovering proprietary deals.
Through tailored acquisition search programs and deep industry expertise, SourceCo helps firms identify off-market companies that are rarely visible through typical channels.
As opposed to broker-led auctions and other traditional deal sourcing channels, SourceCo’s combination of AI-powered insights and long-term target relationship-building enables clients to access better deals at more favorable terms.
SourceCo is ideal for firms looking for highly targeted, relationship-driven sourcing that goes beyond data and delivers exclusive opportunities. Request your free target sample below 👇
Brian Nienstedt, Chief Development Officer at NexCore (Trinity Hunt Partners), said SourceCo helped them reach actionable targets they would otherwise miss.
"SourceCo was a great partner that used their tech to build very specific custom data sets and organize multiple transactions that we closed very quickly after starting to work with them. Couldn't recommend using them more."
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Harvey & Co specializes in middle-market acquisitions, with a strong focus on industry-specific sourcing.
They leverage industry experience in various sectors. On the contrary, when it comes to deal sourcing, Harvey & Co relies on its network, as opposed to leveraging proprietary company databases and technology enablement other firms rely on.
Dinan & Company is known for its buy-side advisory services, including buy-side and sell-side M&A advisory, growth equity and debt advisory, valuation and fairness opinions, and merchant banking.
Thanks to their hands-on approach, the firm believes to be a strong partner to those needing end-to-end transaction support. The firm relies on it's own relationship network to source deals.
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Captarget provides a fixed-cost model for outsourced deal origination, making it an appealing option for firms that want to expand their sourcing without the overhead of an in-house team.
With a focus on lower-middle-market deals, Captarget provides access to acquisition opportunities through their BDR-like outreach.
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Blue River is a middle-market M&A advisory firm providing comprehensive buy-side and sell-side services, valuations, and corporate finance guidance.
They offer full-service buy-side advisory across various sectors. Blue river is a good fit for those seeking dedicated support in complex M&A transactions.
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Copper Run focuses on middle-market M&A, offering buy-side services for private equity firms and corporate buyers.
Copper Run’s team takes a hands-on approach, helping clients find proprietary opportunities that are aligned with their investment strategies.
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Choosing the right deal sourcing partner depends on your firm’s unique needs. Here are key points to consider:
Prioritize platforms that offer proprietary access to off-market deals, reducing competition and improving deal quality. Technology-enabled deal sourcing companies like SourceCo excel by revealing hidden opportunities through AI-driven insights combined with human outreach.
Decide if a hands-on, relationship-focused approach like SourceCo’s is better for your firm compared to purely data-driven solutions that may miss nuanced, off-market opportunities by not having the necessary (and sufficient) private company data.
Look for partners with deep industry knowledge in your target sectors. Specialized firms provide nuanced insights and industry expertise that generalist platforms might miss.
Consider platforms that match your geographic needs. Firms like DealSuite specialize in European markets, while others offer broader global reach.
Evaluate the cost structure and long-term ROI. Cost-effective models are great for scaling, but relationship-driven partners often deliver higher-quality, strategic acquisitions.
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